Sir: The atrocities committed against women have become an open secret now. Everyone knows it yet no one wishes to oppose it. This misogyny manifests in many ways; the most horrendous of which is honour killing. The recent example in a chain of these shameful incidents is the cold-blooded murder of model Qandeel Baloch, who was killed by her own brother to preserve the so-called honour of his family. Another victim of violence, Samia, 28 years, was also strangulated by her family when she chose to lead her days with a man of her liking in lieu of the one who was chosen by them. Two sisters, Kausar and Gulzar, were attacked by the barbarity in Punjab only because they had committed the crimes of marrying the love of their lives. On one hand, Pakistani society boasts of its successful women, however, it still sets ablaze all females who attempt to be independent. This patriarchal mindset has claimed many lives. To date, Pakistan is still considered the third most dangerous country for women where every year numerous women are victimised by honour killing among other forms of violence. Between 2014 to February 2016, as many as 1276 women were targeted by the horrific practice. Unless women in Pakistan are allowed to dream of a life that is safe and sound, all national attempts to succeed will remain an unfinished reality. MAHA SAIF